Shrubs that pitch in with long bloom time, have more than one season of interest or an outstanding feature are a big plus for any successful planting. They make the A List for designers, landscapers and homeowners because they come to the rescue time and again. For those reasons we’re big fans of the five following deer-resistant shrubs, all with good track records at being tough, good looking and low maintenance.

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’ Seen here) Glossy leaves, spikes of fragrant white flowers in summer, yellow fall color, takes wet soil, shade and shoreline conditions, compact grower 4-5′ high and wide.
Coast Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris) Evergreen, glossy leaves, red new growth, small white spring flowers, prefers some shade, 2-4′ high 4-6′ wide.
Little Princess Spiraea (Spiraea japonica) Bright green foliage, long lasting pink flowers, tolerates hot sun & wind, 3 x 4′ mound.
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’) Small, medium-green foliage with fragrant, long-lasting, lavender flower clusters, full sun to partial shade, grows 4′ high x 5-7′ wide.
Weigela Wine & Roses (Weigela florida) Dark red-tinged foliage, bright pink trumpet flowers late spring, full sun, grows 4-5′ high and wide.

If you haven’t already given these a try, you should! Especially when you are going in 5 different directions and don’t have time to fuss over Mrs. Smyth’s plantings, just grab a few of these and she (and you) will be thrilled.